ABSTRACT
[Objective] To clarify the utilization of characteristics and reactions of acupuncture points, and the frequency of using acupuncture points in acupuncture and moxibustion treatment in Japan.[Methods] We conducted a questionnaire survey involving members of the Japan Society for Oriental Medicine and those of the Japan Society of Acupuncture Course in Universities. The contents of the questions included age, sex, profession, length of clinical experience of acupuncture/moxibustion, treatment method, utilization of characteristics and reactions of acupuncture points, and frequency of using acupuncture points in both acupuncture and moxibustion treatment.[Results] The number of valid questionnaires was 59 (59 for acupuncture treatment and 50 for moxibustion treatment). The respondents were as follows : average age of 52 ± 12 years, 45 males and 14 females, 13 medical doctors and 46 acupuncturists, clinical experience of 21.1 ± 11.5 years. Most practitioners utilized ill ness-specific features of acupuncture points, de qi, and reactions they feel with their needling and pressing hands. Ten acupuncture points were used in 50% of patients in acupuncture treatment, and ST 36 and SP 6 were the most frequently used. On the other hand, no single acupuncture point was used in more than 50% of patients in moxibustion treatment. Thirteen acupuncture points were used in 30% of patients in moxibustion treatment, and BL 23, SP 6, and ST 36 were the most frequently used.[Conclusion] Our survey clarified the usage of acupuncture points in acupuncture and moxibustion treatment in Japan.
ABSTRACT
The background and course of Kampo treatment in 39 patients with uncontrollable otolaryngeal symptoms treated between April 2013 and March 2016, in the Department of Kampo Medicine at Tohoku University Hospital, were analyzed retrospectively. An improvement in overall symptoms was noted with Kampo treatment in 28 of 39 cases (71%). The commonly reported subjective symptoms included glossodynia (7 cases), postnasal drip (4 cases), oral discomfort (4 cases), dizziness (3 cases), and taste disorder (3 cases). Analysis using the classification of qi, blood, and fluid revealed that cases with qi stagnation pattern (15 of 18 cases) were effectively treated with Kampo treatment. Prior reports support our finding that smoothing qi with Kampo medicine is effective in alleviating some chronic symptoms. The symptoms improved within 6 weeks after the treatment was initiated. Therefore, a 6-week period can be considered sufficient to determine the effectiveness of Kampo medicine. Many of the patients for whom Kampo treatment was not effective had depression and domestic stress. In conclusion, Kampo treatment may be effectively used to treat uncontrollable, chronic otolaryngeal symptoms in selected cases that are unresponsive to Western medicine.
ABSTRACT
<p>Since students who would like to study Kampo medicine more have no opportunity to communicate each other in Northern Japanese Universities, we newly started joint study conferences held by medical students in 2013. The objectives of this paper are to report on these annually held student-based Kampo study conferences in the Hokkaido and Tohoku areas, and the ways each university studies Kampo medicine. In the conference, the students reported on their club activities. Then they studied the history of Kampo medicine and simulation of abdominal diagnosis, and performed group work on case reports together. The number of student participants in these conferences has tripled over 3 years from 18 to 58 (for a total of 111 participants). All members were satisfied with the content. And this reflects medical students' need for a wider perception of Kampo medicine, rather than a limited one gained in their university club activities. We hope this conference will play a major role in other nationwide student-based Kampo study conferences in the years to come.</p>